It's the day teenagers across the county have been waiting for - or dreading - as GCSE results are released.

Thousands of Kent pupils will be heading into school to pick up those all-important envelopes containing the grades that could determine their immediate future.

Some will be hoping for good enough results to continue into further education at college or sixth form, while others will be taking up apprentices or joining to job market.

They include remarkable George Broadhurst - born at 27 weeks - who is expecting GCSE success today after overcoming several challenges.

Our reporters and photographers will be at schools across Kent to capture the tears (of joy or otherwise) and celebrations.

It comes as education experts warn this year could see a record number of appeals from GCSE pupils disappointed with their marks.

But just how important are GCSEs in the grand scheme of things?

We asked people in Gravesend what they thought of the exams and how much influence grades have in the long-term.

Secondary school teacher Laurie Macpherson, 38, from South Street, Meopham, said: "I wouldn't be able to do my job if it wasn't for how I did in my GCSEs – but it certainly isn't the be-all and end-all either.

"Young people that are academically minded should grasp education while they can and take as much as they can from it, but those who did not do quite so well should not feel any less of a person.

"Find a passion or an interest, whatever that may be, and explore how you can turn that into a living."

Dom Atkinson, 48, an electrician from Park Avenue, Gravesend, said his GCSE grades made "no difference at all" to his life.

He said: "I wasn't academic whatsoever and probably messed around too much at school.

"Leaving was the best thing I ever did because I got myself into gear, found an apprenticeship, and I've been doing it ever since.

"Kids shouldn't worry too much about how well they do at school – too much pressure is put on grades and exams nowadays."

But finance manager Ian Green, 55, from Green Street Green Road, Dartford, thinks GCSEs are very important.

He said: "It unlocked so many doors for me in terms of going to university and visiting new places.

"You're so limited as to what you can do if you don't achieve good grades. It's not just about getting a job either. Education helps you mature and develop as a person, I think."

One company is urging school leavers to consider taking up an apprenticeship instead of pursuing options such as university.

Positive Outcomes provides apprenticeships in Kent and beyond in sectors including customer service, business administration, hospitality, estate agency sales, warehousing and IT.

Spokesman Kelly Ball said: "More and more people are starting to see an apprenticeship as a genuine alternative to university due to the considerable work experience which can be obtained alongside gaining that all-important qualification.

"With GCSE results day upon us, we are keen to prioritise school leavers within our apprenticeships and training agenda."

Visit KentOnline later this morning for our LIVE coverage of GCSE results day 2015.